If your company needs to apply labels to products or packages that contain client goods, you might make use of various types of labels, such as pressure-sensitive ones, to make sure the product has the correct information. Yet, without an extra tool to apply the labels, the process might take longer, and the labels may look unprofessional. This is where label applicators are useful.
But what exactly are label applicators and how should you use them? In this article, our packaging professionals will explore the main types of label applicators and the best way to use them, so you can worry less about losing time or creating unprofessional-looking packages.
What Are Label Applicators?
A label applicator is a type of gadget or packaging equipment that facilitates the process of applying labels to boxes, pallets, containers, and various other types of packaging and shipping supplies. These machines or tools can automate the labelling process.
When you use a label applicator machine, the pressure-sensitive label is dispensed from a roll and onto the packaging. These tools have a few key elements that make this process easier, including the unwind element, the dispenser, and the labelling head, which hold the roll, release the label, and apply the label, respectively.
What Are the Benefits of Label Applicators?
Because of these components, there are so many advantages of using label applicators. As mentioned, they automate the labelling process, but they also offer the following benefits:
Speed up Labelling – Instead of peeling and placing each label individually, by hand, you can use label applicators to speed up the process. The dispenser element quickly and smoothly releases the label without the need for you to peel them manually.
Create Professional-Looking Packages – While you may find that manual label application leads to unaligned label placement, you can use label applicators to avoid this. The labelling head ensures that instead of being placed at an angle, the label is applied correctly, which creates professional-looking packages.
Versatile Labelling – You can use label applicators for a range of products with unique shapes and sizes, since these dispensers work well on flat surfaces as well as cylindrical products. They help you avoid fumbling with the labels upon application.
Less Waste – Incorrect labelling processes may lead to waste or the need to throw away poorly applied labels. With label applicators, you can avoid such waste since they facilitate accurate application.
What Are the Main Types of Label Applicators?
A few main types of label applicators exist. The main examples are hand-held, semi-automatic, and automatic label dispensers, and they offer the benefits above.
Hand-Held or Manual Label Applicators
Hand-held label applicators are easy to use and just require you to load the roll and with a simple squeeze of the handle you can apply a label. Options such as the AP65-60 hand-held label dispenser work with almost any die-cut label and function with precision, leaving a 0.125-inch gap between them.
Many feature a mechanical sensor that adjusts the trigger. This element ensures users dispense only a single label when they squeeze the handle, meaning the machine will not mistakenly release several labels at a time.
Semi-Automatic Label Applicators
Semi-automatic label applicators require you to place the product, load the label, and initiate the labelling cycle to apply them. Machines like the semi-automatic L-clip label applicator work with wafer seals and labels that measure up to 1.5 x 1.5 inches.
This type of applicator is portable, meaning you can move it to the right location such as the warehouse. It contains a mechanism that seamlessly dispenses the labels from the roll to the product and is ideal for low-volume production.
Automatic Label Applicators
Automatic label applicators function well for a range of labelling applications and allow for a fast dispensing process. Tools like the KL-100 automatic label dispenser function with labels measuring up to 4.21 inches wide and work with die-cut and butt-cut opaque labels.
Many automatic label applicators like these have digital cycle counters and photo sensors that detect the die-cut labels and make precise application possible.
Who Should Use Label Applicators?
A range of businesses can use label applicators like these, so whether you are a small- or medium-sized business (SMB), or a company with an international presence, there’s a label applicator that can make the packaging or product labelling process easier.
SMBs distributing a low-volume of products to their clients can benefit from hand-held or semi-automatic label applicators, while large businesses may prefer an automatic label applicator that significantly speeds up the packaging process.
Many label applicators can work well in different work areas, such as in warehouses for corrugated shipping boxes, for production lines, or in shipping stations to label hundreds of units and shipping supplies each minute, depending on your needs.
Which Products Can You Use Label Applicators For?
As mentioned, label applicators can work well for a range of packaging types, but they also work well for actual products, such as bottles and bags. For bottles, the LB-7 semi-automatic bottle labeller is ideal, helping to apply smooth and consistent labels to a cylindrical surface.
For bags, various other label applicator models are ideal. The BLM-110 label applicator machine, for instance, is designed for bags and pouches and features a high-friction speed-adjustable side conveyor belts that feed the bag through to the label dispenser.
Label Your Packages and Products: Find Label Applicators at The Packaging Company
Labelling packages and products can help you display important information so that customers, clients, and couriers understand more about each item. How you display the labels can mean the difference between a professional-looking package and packaging that looks hastily prepared. This is why we highly recommend label applicators for your packaging.
If you’re trying to find label applicators, a full range is available at The Packaging Company. We stock manual, automatic, semi-automatic, bag, and bottle label applicators that can help you save time during the labelling process. No matter if you are running an SMB or a larger e-commerce company, you will find what you need here. Discover the power of label applicators, order yours today!
